This mower should work well on golf courses or lawns where the ground is smooth. If you're going to use it for anything tougher like cattle pastures, orchards, farm lots, look for a tougher machine or be prepared to buy lots of parts. It's certainly not a "trail mower" as advertised.

Pros:Easy To Use, Price, Fast

Cons:Durability, Unreliable, Low Quality

Robert Does Not Recommend This Mower

Product Expert

Robert,

I am sorry to hear that you are not happy with the durability of your machine. If you feel this is a manufacturing issue, please contact Swisher directly to see if your machine can be repaired under the warranty at 800-222-8183. If you have any other questions that we can assist with, please give us a call and we will do our best to help. Thank you very much for your business and I hope you have a great day.

We're sorry that you are experiencing issues with your machine. This trail mower is intended to cut grass in yards, large lots and golf courses. It is not intended for cattle pastures or farm lots. For that type of mowing, you will need our trail cutter. If you need additional help, please feel free to contact us toll free at 1-800-222-8183.

My old swisher 44" 8hp had trouble mowing a new area around my pond. I normally cut it with a bush hog but I wanted a more manicured look. This new 66" not only mowed it but it only took about 45 minutes where the old mower took 2 hours due to the motor bogging down. The cut looks great and the motor never bogged down once. I have been using the old one for 10 years now and have only replaced the blades and the belt. It is still in good shape and I intend to keep using it in other areas around the house.
I only hope I can outlive this new mower,
VERY PLEASED - WELL WORTH THE MONEY!!!

My old swisher 44" 8hp had trouble mowing a new area around my pond. I normally cut it with a bush hog but I wanted a more manicured look. This new 66" not only mowed it but it only took about 45 minutes where the old mower took 2 hours due to the motor bogging down. The cut looks great and the motor never bogged down once. I have been using the old one for 10 years now and have only replaced the blades and the belt. It is still in good shape and I intend to keep using it in other... more

Pros:Easy To Use, Exceeded Expectations, Fast, High Quality

Anthony Recommends This Swisher Mower

Was this review helpful?

241

John

Purchased 5/3/14

18 Helpful Votes

REVIEWED

JUL.

07

2014

Under Deck Paint

Very happy with the performance of this mower but disappointed when on the second cleaning of underside of deck, the paint came off leaving bare metal. It doesn't look like there was any primer or more than one coat of paint applied.

John Recommends This Swisher Mower

Product Expert

John,

John,

Swisher is a company which stands behind their products and in cases like these, I would suggest giving them a call and see if this is something they can assist with. They are very customer conscious and most likely would be able to work something out to keep rust from forming on the bottom of the deck. I have provided Swisher's number below.

I have been pleased with my mower for the most part except a few things are troublesome and I would like to see some remedy.

1. I have had to put 2 new belts on the mower within the first day of use. I don't know if the adjustment for the tensioner was wrong but it did not seem right to go through those belts so fast.

2. I had to add a bungee cord to the idler pulley to keep it from periodically popping out of engagement. It's actually a good fix and works well so I'm not too annoyed with that.

3. I have now (after approx. 8 hrs of use) broken 2 springs on the idler pulley assembly. These are the heavy duty springs that go over the end of the adjustment bolt. I had to search high and low to find a replacement and now it is broken again. Bad design and very annoying. I hope the owners of SWISHER will read this and send me some spare springs and pulleys. By the way, my grass is 5 - 6" tall and no other obstacles or challenges for the mower. When it is working, it's great!

I have been pleased with my mower for the most part except a few things are troublesome and I would like to see some remedy.

1. I have had to put 2 new belts on the mower within the first day of use. I don't know if the adjustment for the tensioner was wrong but it did not seem right to go through those belts so fast.

2. I had to add a bungee cord to the idler pulley to keep it from periodically popping out of engagement. It's actually a good fix and works well so I'm not too... more

David Does Not Recommend This Mower

Product Expert

David,

Thank you for submitting your review. Sorry to hear about the issue you are having. We will have our Product Expert Jose contact you to try and resolve the issue you are having.

First review told of shredded belt. Replaced with Huskee belt. Seemed ok. Wrong...Have replaced 2 more belts !!!! WE NEED SOME ANSWERS TO THIS PROBLEM !!!!!!!!

George Does Not Recommend This Mower

Product Expert

George,

Thank you for your Email, i would recommend checking the Spindles to make sure they are not Loose this may cause the Belts to break. If the issue does not correct itself i would recommend having a local Service Center look at the Mower.

We are very sorry to hear you are having issues with your machine. If you are shredding belts, it generally means something is interfering with the belt path. It could be the alignment of the pulleys or a foreign object is in the way. We will be contacting you today to help resolve this issue.

Purchased this pull behind so I would not have to use a mower on my tractor. This mower is great except for the junk belts that came with it. First mow job out they both slipped and wore to the extreme point of almost breaking. Went and bought Gates belts to replace these and have 10 times the life of the originals and still going strong. I mow 12.5 acres with this and the mower is great. Wish they would design a water wash system for the deck like my riding lawnmower so I could clean it easier.

Pros:Easy To Use, I'd Buy It Again

Cons:Expensive, Poor Beltscheap

Dale Recommends This Swisher Mower

Brand Rep

Dale,

Thank you for the feedback on your machine. It sounds like the tension needed to be adjusted. We apologize that you had to purchase additional belts for your machine. Please feel free to call us toll free at 800-222-8183 so we can correct this for you. Thank you for choosing Swisher!

I have a 60 inch swisher Trail mower that I used to mow my 3 acre lawn and my neighbor's 5 acres for 12 years, I've only had to replace the spindle bearings and blades once about five years ago. The old mower was starting to look rough, and the deck rollers were seized, and the 14.5 hp motor was starting to smoke a little, so I decided to replace it this year. After looking at and pricing other large deck Mowers, I decided that since I had such a good long term experience with my older Swisher Trail mower, That I would purchase a new 66 inch Swisher Trail mower. The mower Arrived 5 days after I placed the Order.

After UN-crating it, putting the wheels on and checking it over and gassing it up, I was able to use the mower right away. It started easily and ran great.

After the first mowing I had to re-adjust the drive belt clutch assembly, and on inspection found that bolts that hold the Spindle assemblies to the deck had come loose and needed re-tightening. Once I went through and re adjusted and re-tighened everything, the mower worked flawlessly through the heaviest mowing season.

I did have a problem last week with the weld on one of the spindle assemblies breaking and causing one of the blades to break I took some pictures of the problem and sent them directly to swisher by E-Mail. I received a phone call from a swisher representative the next day, and after describing the issue explaining that I needed 1 spindle Assembly, one blade, and that the deck belt was damaged, the Swisher rep was knowledgeable about the mower, and very pleasant. He said he would send me the parts I needed right away. Two days later a box arrived at my doorstep with all of the parts I needed to get the mower back to new condition, including a new set of belts and all three blades, all covered under the Warranty.

I have a 60 inch swisher Trail mower that I used to mow my 3 acre lawn and my neighbor's 5 acres for 12 years, I've only had to replace the spindle bearings and blades once about five years ago. The old mower was starting to look rough, and the deck rollers were seized, and the 14.5 hp motor was starting to smoke a little, so I decided to replace it this year. After looking at and pricing other large deck Mowers, I decided that since I had such a good long term experience with my older Swisher... more

James Recommends This Swisher Mower

Brand Rep

James,

Thank you for your candid review of your new mower. We are sorry to hear that you had some minor issues but happy to hear you are back up and running. Thank you for your continued support of Swisher!

"The Order process was quick and easy, A Pleasant and knowledgeable representative called me the day after placing the order to verify the shipping info. The mower arrived promptly 5 days after the order was placed."

Over built in almost every way, great job Swisher. Carb tune from factory is spot on, units start nearly just my looking at the key. Only thing that disappointing, we bought two units and we're told prior to purchase that they could accommodate towing one behind the other on an offset, unfortunately the units are not supplied with any simple hitch to do this. Contacted Swisher, they do not offer a part either, will need to fabricate something.

Pros:Quiet, Price, Exceeded Expectations, Easy To Store

Cons:No Hitch To Daisy Chain

Scott Recommends This Swisher Mower

Brand Rep

Scott,

Thank you very much for the positive review. We are happy that you are pleased with your purchase. Unfortunately, we do not have anything to attach multiple mowers up together. Your suggestion will be passed along. Thank you for choosing Swisher!

The first time I used the mower, I was thrilled. Today, two weeks later, the belt that engages the cutter broke. Second time I used it! Obviously, I'm not too thrilled and will be testing the product support immediately. I certainly hope the belt isn't too difficult to replace although it doesn't look like it will be very easy.

When it worked, the cut looked very good. I had about 6 inches that I was trying to cut down to about 3.5 in. My recommendation would be a qualified yes. It really depends on how easily I can fix the belt. Also, how do I know how high I'm cutting? The adjustment screws are labeled but no where could I find where the reference on the mower was to know for sure.

The first time I used the mower, I was thrilled. Today, two weeks later, the belt that engages the cutter broke. Second time I used it! Obviously, I'm not too thrilled and will be testing the product support immediately. I certainly hope the belt isn't too difficult to replace although it doesn't look like it will be very easy.

When it worked, the cut looked very good. I had about 6 inches that I was trying to cut down to about 3.5 in. My recommendation would be a qualified yes. It really... more

Pros:Easy To Use, Price, Fast, Easy To Store

Cons:Unreliable, Durability

John Recommends This Swisher Mower

Brand Rep

John,

We are sorry to hear that you have an issue with your belt. Please contact us toll free at 800-222-8183. We will be happy to get you back up and running.

In response to the height adjustment, if you have the crank all the way at the bottom, you are cutting at 1.5". If you have the crank all the way up to the top, you are at 5.5".

I've had the Trail Behind 66" in mower for little over a year now. I've replaced the belts twice each. After speaking with customer service, they advised me the unit was no longer under warranty. I told her I understand this but there has to be a problem with the machine.

I've been trying to reach someone in the "tech department" for 6 working days, Still no response. I've now been on hold for 33 minutes and they are about to close in 11 minutes. I guess I'll try on Monday. I'm staring the process all over again. Not happy with their customer service and so far not a fan of the machine. I've used it a total of 7 times and have replace both belts twice. Be aware. You've been warned.

I've had the Trail Behind 66" in mower for little over a year now. I've replaced the belts twice each. After speaking with customer service, they advised me the unit was no longer under warranty. I told her I understand this but there has to be a problem with the machine.

I've been trying to reach someone in the "tech department" for 6 working days, Still no response. I've now been on hold for 33 minutes and they are about to close in 11 minutes. I guess I'll try on Monday. ... more

Larry Does Not Recommend This Mower

Brand Rep

Larry,

We are sorry that you have been having issues with your machine and we apologize for not correcting the problem sooner. We will be reaching out to you to help resolve the situation.

I am thinking of purchasing this unit, however there is an overwhelming theme of an issue about the belts. Has this issue been resolved? If it has, please explain what was done during manufacturing so this issue won't happen to my unit when I purchase one.

John Recommends This Swisher Mower

Brand Rep

John,

We have replaced original pulley with a new design. We also replaced the original belt with a new one.This change is in place now.

DO NOT BUY THIS! Nothing but a nightmare. Bought in April and burned the first belt in the first half hour of use. Took it to a service center to address problem after three weeks got it back to burn another belt within two hours of use.

It's almost July now and still have not cut my 3 acres. Customer service has not returned my phone calls, to send me a new one. Don't buy this product!!!!!!! I'm still out of $2400 yet, plus the money to have a Lawncare service have my grass cut.

Tyler Does Not Recommend This Mower

Product Expert

Tyler,

Sorry to hear you are having issues with the mower i can contact the manufacturer for you if the issue has not been resolved.

We are truly sorry to hear that you are having issues with your machine. Swisher works very hard to build the highest quality products possible and the last thing we want is for a consumer to be unhappy with their product. We will be reaching out to you today to try to resolve this issue.
UPDATE... Tyler, we have tried numerous times to contact you and have left a few voice mails. Please call us toll free at your convenience. 800-222-8183

Because some reviews for this type of mower cited problems with the belts, I removed the belt covers and thoroughly checked the belts and pulleys. It’s a good thing I did, because I found a loose nut sliding around on the floor of the belt/pulley compartment. The belts and pulley looked OK, however.

The speed control features a “tortoise and hare” for slow and fast positions. It also has a carburetor choke picture for cold-start applications. The carburetor choke picture is hard to see from the front of the machine. I pull the mower with a forty-year-old Power King tractor.

I’m impressed with the sturdiness of the deck and wheel assemblies. The engine starts quickly, even after sitting for two months.

I recommend the following factory changes:
• The tow bar should be pre-drilled to accept standard trailer ball couplers.
• The tubeless tires should be replaced with solid rubber tires.
• The gas tank should be provided with a drain, although the tank is easily removed from the frame.

I’m pleased with the performance of this mower. It certainly has cut down the amount of time I spend mowing my four acres of fields

This is a powerful mower, and I use it to cut brush as well as grass.

Because some reviews for this type of mower cited problems with the belts, I removed the belt covers and thoroughly checked the belts and pulleys. It’s a good thing I did, because I found a loose nut sliding around on the floor of the belt/pulley compartment. The belts and pulley looked OK, however.

The speed control features a “tortoise and hare” for slow and fast positions. It also has a carburetor choke picture... more

David Recommends This Swisher Mower

Brand Rep

David,

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We are pleased to hear you are happy with your mower. Your suggestions will be passed along. Thanks for choosing Swisher!

I've held off writing this review for a while due to some initial issues I had with the mower. Like other reviewers, I experienced v-belt problems, destroying 3 of the 50 inch belts before finally getting the belt tensioner set correctly and now the mower works great.

I have now been able to mow my 5 acres twice with no further issues. I have to say that customer service was excellent, sending me 2 belts under warranty and talking me through getting the tensioner set correctly. My only criticism is that I would have expected the tensioner to have been set correctly when I got it from the factory.

I've held off writing this review for a while due to some initial issues I had with the mower. Like other reviewers, I experienced v-belt problems, destroying 3 of the 50 inch belts before finally getting the belt tensioner set correctly and now the mower works great.

I have now been able to mow my 5 acres twice with no further issues. I have to say that customer service was excellent, sending me 2 belts under warranty and talking me through getting the tensioner set correctly. My only... more

Jim Recommends This Swisher Mower

Brand Rep

Jim,

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. Thank you for letting us work with you to troubleshoot your belt issue. We are happy that you are pleased with your mower. Thank you for choosing Swisher!

This thing is a beast!!!! Anything I can drag it through, it cuts. I held off on this review due to previous belt issues...solved. It barks the belt a little on start-up, but any belt will when starting blades this thick and heavy. This is no toy mower like these cheap riders you can buy everywhere now, this is a serious mowing machine!

Martin Recommends This Swisher Mower

Brand Rep

Martin,

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We are pleased that you are happy with your purchase. Thank you for choosing Swisher!

We've used this mower for just over two years now to cover about 5ac and have only had to replace the belts and blades once after my son decided to trim some bricks with it. It can handle the loading better than my rider pulling it, I'm sure my next riding mower will be able to work it a little harder though.

I'll have to give it a good cleaning and fresh paint after this season though.

I would recommend making the hitch end swivel like the mower end does to accommodate for towing off-set along ditches or sloped areas. We cut the end and drilled a hole to attach a standard trailer ball hitch with a pivot point like the mower end has. It trails nicely without bending or breaking any mower components like it does with the pin being used. Crazy engineers failed to finish the job!

We've used this mower for just over two years now to cover about 5ac and have only had to replace the belts and blades once after my son decided to trim some bricks with it. It can handle the loading better than my rider pulling it, I'm sure my next riding mower will be able to work it a little harder though.

I'll have to give it a good cleaning and fresh paint after this season though.

I would recommend making the hitch end swivel like the mower end does to accommodate for towing off-set... more

Pros:Easy To Use, Durable, Reliable, I'd Buy It Again

Shaun Recommends This Swisher Mower

Brand Rep

Shaun,

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We are pleased to hear you are happy with your mower. Your comments regarding the hitch will be passed along. Thanks for choosing Swisher!

Purchased 2 mowers to tow behind a O Turn mower, went from 12' to over 14' with a 61" mower and 2 66" tow behinds. They cut very well, powerful and clean.

Operation and controls are simple, B&S engines run great and they look to be well constructed. Cut time is less than the Hog, cleaner, faster and they don't clog up. After 10 hours run time, all is well. Satisfied so far. Good investment.

Donald Recommends This Swisher Mower

Brand Rep

Donald,

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We are happy to hear your machines' performance exceeded your expectations. Thank you for choosing Swisher!